Romanian Police dismantle international drug ring in Operation Matrix

Romanian authorities have dismantled an international drug trafficking network through ‘Operation Matrix,’ resulting in the seizure of 1.7 tons of high-risk drugs, including cannabis and cocaine. The operation targeted a criminal group that utilized logistics and transport companies to move large quantities of narcotics from Spain to various European destinations using vehicles with hidden compartments.

Seven individuals, including six men and one woman, have been detained. They face charges of forming an organized criminal group, large-scale drug trafficking, and money laundering. Law enforcement seized approximately 400,000 euros in assets, including four properties, a luxury car, 27 bank accounts, gold and silver coins, a gold ingot, and a luxury watch.

In separate law enforcement activities across Romania, police conducted extensive road safety checks and labor inspections. In Bihor, Caras-Severin, and Dambovita, hundreds of fines were issued and dozens of driver's licenses were suspended. Additionally, labor inspectors in Bistrita-Năsăud issued over 1.6 million lei in fines for labor law violations and undeclared work during the first half of the year.